Dozens paroled

Forty-five persons serving sentences for crimes ranging from murder to illegal possession of firearms were paroled last year.

They were among 168 new applications considered by the Parole Board in 2009.

Information Minister Daryl Vaz told reporters yesterday that the Parole Board's 2009 annual report shows that 122 of the new applications were dismissed and one other case deferred. Of the 168 cases considered last year, 45 were for murder; 12, manslaughter; 85, gun offences; and 16, sex crimes.

Up to the end of 2009, Vaz said 179 parolees were under supervision.

However, he pointed out that there were no reported breaches of any parole order in 2009.

This is an improvement over 2008, when four parolees were recalled.